Serbia News

A protest in Serbia took a chaotic turn when demonstrators, gathered to honor 15 victims of a train station collapse, reportedly experienced panic due to the alleged use of a sonic weapon by security forces. Rights groups and opposition officials claim that such a weapon is illegal in Serbia. According to CNN, multiple audio forensics experts have been consulted regarding the incident, which has drawn significant attention and concern. Over half a million people have signed a petition urging the Serbian government to launch a thorough investigation into whether illegal sonic devices were deployed against the crowd. This escalation of tension comes amid ongoing protests and public outrage related to government actions and safety concerns surrounding the train incident. The use of sonic weapons raises serious human rights issues, and the calls for inquiry highlight the mounting discontent within the Serbian populace. The event marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability and transparency in the country's governance.

On March 4, 2025, chaos unfolded in the Serbian Parliament when opposition lawmakers threw smoke grenades and tear gas in protest against government policies and in support of ongoing student demonstrations. The protests were ignited by a train station roof collapse in December that resulted in 15 fatalities, marking a significant challenge to the current government led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). During a contentious legislative session where the ruling coalition had approved the agenda, some opposition politicians rushed toward the parliamentary speaker, leading to scuffles with security personnel. Live broadcasts captured the scene as colorful smoke filled the chamber. Speaker Ana Brnabic reported that two lawmakers were injured, with one, Jasmina Obradovic of the SNS party, in critical condition following a stroke. The parliament was scheduled to discuss a law increasing funding for universities, a key demand from students currently engaged in protests. Brnabic asserted that the parliament would persist in its duties to defend Serbia despite the turmoil.

Over the past three months, Serbian students have led mass protests against government corruption following a fatal accident at the Novi Sad train station that claimed 15 lives. The protests, which began in Novi Sad, have grown to attract support from various demographics, including pensioners and farmers. Daily vigils feature 15 minutes of silence at 11:52 AM, the time of the accident, serving as a powerful rebuke to officials, including President Aleksandar Vucic, accused of corruption in public infrastructure projects. Students have organized food resources and democratic gatherings in university spaces, promoting a united front without political affiliations. Many participants express pride in their non-partisan stance, which they believe resonates with broader societal discontent over corruption. Jovana Hromis, a 23-year-old student, emphasized their moral duty to enact change, supported by growing public backing. Despite government claims that the protests are fueled by foreign interference, the movement shows no signs of waning, with tens of thousands of participants in recent demonstrations across Belgrade and Novi Sad. The resignation of Novi Sad's mayor, Milos Vucevic, further highlights the political fallout of these unprecedented student-led movements.

Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Novi Sad, Serbia, on Saturday, marking the third month since a tragic roof collapse at the city’s railway station resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals. Demonstrators blocked all three bridges leading into the city in a show of solidarity with the victims and a call for accountability from the government, which they blame for negligence and corruption, according to local activist Dejan Bagarić. The protests are described as the largest in Serbia's history, fueled by rising discontent with President Aleksandar Vučić's administration. Critics allege that the reconstruction of the railway station, carried out by a Chinese state consortium, ignored essential safety regulations, with allegations of a government cover-up emerging after the disaster. Čedomir Stojković, a prominent human rights lawyer, emphasized the need for transparency and justice. The demonstrations, which have expanded to over 100 towns nationwide, reflect broader frustrations among Serbian youth regarding corruption and the authoritarian tendencies of Vučić's rule. Opposition leader Srđan Milivojević noted that the students have taken control of the protest momentum, asserting that they will continue until their demands for reform are met.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his resignation on January 28, 2025, in response to widespread protests sparked by a deadly canopy collapse in Novi Sad that killed 15 people last November. The incident has ignited public outrage against the perceived increasing autocracy of President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration, which is also accused of suppressing democratic freedoms while pursuing European Union membership. Vucevic stated his resignation is a measure to alleviate tensions and promote dialogue within the country. Alongside him, Novi Sad's Mayor Milan Djuric will also resign. The Serbian parliament now has 30 days to approve the resignation or call a snap election. In the days leading up to Vucevic's decision, tens of thousands joined student-led protests demanding accountability for the collapse, which critics attribute to government corruption. As of now, charges have been filed against 13 individuals, including a minister, but public mistrust remains high, especially after the release of former Construction Minister Goran Vesic. Protesters have organized daily blockades to honor the victims, emphasizing their call for justice amidst increasing confrontations during demonstrations.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic has resigned after months of nationwide protests triggered by the tragic collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which resulted in the deaths of fifteen people last November. In a televised address, Vucevic stated his resignation was a step to "avoid further complicating things" and to ease societal tensions. Since the incident, tens of thousands have taken to the streets, demanding accountability and highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption. Student-led protests have been particularly prominent, leading to blockades and a general strike last Friday. The unrest escalated when government supporters attacked demonstrators, prompting President Aleksandar Vucic to announce potential pardons for those charged in connection with the protests and to signify a government reshuffle. Vucic is expected to decide within the next ten days whether to hold parliamentary elections or form a new government. He has rejected calls from opposition parties for a transitional government, asserting that citizens prefer 'normal people in power.' Vucevic's resignation has raised questions about whether it will satisfy protestors or merely lead to continued demonstrations. The situation remains fluid as the future political landscape in Serbia unfolds.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his resignation on Tuesday, stating that he wanted to prevent further societal tension following nearly three months of protests in Belgrade. The protests gained momentum after a tragic incident in November, when a train station roof collapsed in Novi Sad, resulting in the deaths of 15 people and injuries to over 30. This catastrophe sparked allegations of government corruption, leading thousands, primarily students, to demand accountability. In his resignation speech, Vucevic expressed pride in his government’s work but suggested that escalating societal unrest necessitated his decision. He claimed foreign interests were influencing the protests, asserting that Serbia's stability was being undermined. Vucevic’s resignation aligns with the demands of the most radical protesters and follows the earlier resignation of two government ministers. The protests have centered around accusations of endemic corruption, with demonstrators holding the government accountable for the incident at the Novi Sad train station, which had been renovated by a Chinese company. The political movement, alongside calls for more transparency and responsibility from the government, has consistently brought thousands of citizens to the streets, indicating widespread discontent with the current administration.

In a significant shift from traditional celebrations, tens of thousands of protesters, primarily university students, took to the streets in Belgrade and other cities across Serbia on New Year's Eve, demanding political reforms and accountability in the aftermath of a tragic construction accident. This protest, held under the slogan “There is No New Year — You Still Owe Us for the Old One,” follows the collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad train station on November 1, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. The demonstrators held placards bearing red handprints—symbolizing the blood on government officials' hands—while chanting “We Want Justice.” The gathering paused for 15 minutes at midnight to commemorate the victims of the accident. The tragedy has been linked to corruption and poor construction practices, prompting widespread public calls for change. Earlier in the day, state-sponsored New Year celebrations were held across Belgrade, contrasting sharply with the somber protest atmosphere. Police maintained a security presence to prevent clashes between concertgoers and protesters. Serbia's public prosecutor has indicted 13 individuals, including a former minister, related to the canopy collapse. However, many protesters feel this is inadequate, criticizing the absence of charges against those allegedly involved in corrupt deals during the renovation of the train station. University students have organized these protests and are rallying support from various social groups, expressing deep discontent with the autocratic rule of President Aleksandar Vucic. Despite severe cold conditions, the protests have continued, suggesting a growing momentum in public sentiment against the current government.